John 13:4-17

4he got up from the meal, removed his outer clothes, took a towel and tied it around himself.

5He poured water into the washbasin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel he had wrapped around himself.

6Then he came to Simon Peter. Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

7Jesus replied, “You do not understand what I am doing now, but you will understand after these things.”

8Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”

9Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!”

10Jesus replied, “The one who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not every one of you.”

11(For Jesus knew the one who was going to betray him. For this reason he said, “Not every one of you is clean.”)

12So when Jesus had washed their feet and put his outer clothing back on, he took his place at the table again and said to them, “Do you understand what I have done for you?

13You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and do so correctly, for that is what I am.

14If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you too ought to wash one another’s feet.

15For I have given you an example – you should do just as I have done for you.

16I tell you the solemn truth, the slave is not greater than his master, nor is the one who is sent as a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

17If you understand these things, you will be blessed if you do them.